Can You Go to School While In the Military? Yes, Here’s How

Working as an active military personnel is a demanding job, especially given that your primary job is to keep all of America safe. Add in everything else that's on your plate, like family life, staying fit and healthy and — oh yeah, don’t forget — maybe having a little fun once in a while. You’re busy, no doubt!

Yet, even with your intense schedule, you may be thinking about going back to school as a military student. Maybe you’re considering a training program that can benefit both your military career and whatever you decide to do as a civilian in the future. 

It’s a good idea to look ahead and plan for the future, but you need to balance your current professional and personal responsibilities. Is it possible? It sure is. 

Can You Go to School While in the Military?

Many service personnel aren’t sure whether it’s possible to go back to school while also having a career in the military. But the reality is that improving your life will always take time, and there’s always a way to make it happen.

Take working out as an example. Everyone understands the importance of being fit and healthy. Going to the gym, lifting weights and eating healthy all take time. But you make the time because you know it’s important, both for your career now and for your life in the future.

Pursuing additional training and certifications is no different. Just look at what you want for your future. Investing in yourself, no matter what, is the best way to succeed.

Reasons To Pursue More Education

It makes sense to go back to school while in the service. The U.S. Department of Defense provides financial credentialing assistance for Army, Coast Guard and Air Force members. Active-duty members may be eligible for up to $4,000 a year to cover scholarships and other costs associated with school.

Gaining new credentials will also enhance your resume. This will make it easier to get promoted within the military, as well as set you up for success when it’s time to transition to civilian life.

Tips for Success as a Military Student

It will take some planning to find success as a military student. Here are some tips to get organized and prepared for this next big life project:

• Create an at-home learning space: Have a clean desk with a good light in a relatively quiet space, so that it’s easy to sit down and study whenever you need to. Make sure you have a good Wi-Fi connection so you can take remote classes and stay on top of schoolwork.

• Gain the support of friends and family: You may have to limit some other activities as you focus on your future. Let the people you love know your plan to become a military student, so they can support you when you need time for classes and homework.

• Choose a military-focused school: Not all academic institutions understand what it’s like to be on active duty and go to school. MedCerts does. They offer benefits for military students, such as flexible learning environments and personalized support from mentors with military education experience.

Have the Courage to Enhance Your Learning Now

Can you go to school while in the military? The answer is a clear yes, but you must have the courage to invest in your future. You’ll need to invest your energy and your time if you want to gain the training you need to advance your career both in and out of the service.

Have confidence — you can do it! Reach out to MedCerts today to find out how.

The Army, Department of Defense and Department of the Army are not affiliated with MedCerts and do not endorse our services.